Peter Palmer: Acura MDX PMC Edition Arrives: Here’s How It’s Different.

2020 Acrua MDX PMC Edition is hand-built in Maryville, Ohio.
The MDX PMC Edition has a number of special exterior treatments.
Production numbers for the United States are limited to just 300 units.

The 2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition will arrive at select dealerships as soon as this weekend. PMC is the abbreviation for Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center based in Marysville, Ohio. The facility is famous for being the home of the NSX supercar. The MDX is the second to receive the PMC Edition treatment, joining the TLX which received the designation last year.

PMC Edition vehicles are unique in that they are assembled by hand in limited quantities. The video a little further below from Acura actually takes us inside the Performance Manufacturing Center to see how vehicles there are built.

How Is The Acura MDX PMC Edition Different?

The 2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition has a number of styling treatments versus the “normal” MDX. Most noticeable is the Valencia Red Pearl nano pigment paint, which Acura is fond of these days. The 2020 TLX uses these pigmentation techniques as well, which are applied to the micas and metal flakes during final assembly. Acura says this creates a “super-high transparency” look, and it’s hard to argue that.

2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition in Valencia Red Pearl with the NSX in the background. Photo: Acura.

Gloss Black Attack

The MDX PMC Edition receives a number of gloss black treatments too. The 20-inch wheels, roof panel, antenna, exterior mirrors, door handles, grille, and exhaust tips are all finished in gloss black. Other exterior treatments include:

Metal-finished paddle shifters.
Premium floormats with metal A-Spec badging.
Dimpled leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching.
Red stitched door panels, center console, headrests, and front center armrest.
Premium black Milano leather seats with Alcantara inserts, black piping, and red stitching.

Inside The Performance Manufacturing Center

What Engine Does The MDX PMC Edition Have?

The MDX PMC Edition is powered by Acura’s 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque. The engine, complete with direct injection, is mated to a newly-refined nine-speed automatic. An active damper system and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) are both standard.

Acura’s new version of SH-AWD increases rear-wheel torque capacity 40 percent versus the prior generation. Up to 70 percent of the available torque can be distributed to the rear wheels; and up to 100 percent of that torque can be distributed to either the right-rear or left-rear wheel. The result is better handling and traction, regardless of weather conditions.

Interior Refinements: Comfort & Tech

Astute Acura fans may notice the similarities between the popular A-Spec package and these PMC Edition touches. Drivers are treated to heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, while second-row passengers also enjoy heated seats. On longer trips, passengers can kick back in the captain’s chairs and pull down the sunshades for additional comfort.

Back in the cockpit, drivers have access to navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an ELS Studio 10-speaker stereo, and GPS-linked climate control (which sounds really slick). The AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety features is also standard.

How Much Is The 2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition?

The 2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition has a starting MSRP of $63,745 with destination and handling. However, if you are thinking about one, get in line as quick as you can. Acura is building just 300 of them for the U.S. market. Our neighbors to the north in Canada are only scheduled to receive 30 units.

The Automoblog staff covers automotive industry news, trends, and technology along with new vehicle releases. Automoblog is owned and operated by Gearhead Media LLC., based in Detroit, Michigan and Berlin, Germany.